Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to M. C., April 1, 1997

ROBERT L. EHRLICH. JR. 2d District. Maryland COMMITTEES iNKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP Congress of the ©ntteb States фоибе of ftepregentatibeg ©Hagfjington, 2)£ 20515-2002 April 1, 1997 Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns about the possible extinction of sharks. It is always good to hear from the young people of the Second Congressional District. Your concern are indeed justified. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), total shark landings (the amount of sharks and related species brought to shore) have increased from about 220,000 tons in 1947 to more than 800,000 tons in 1994. The total shark catch, including those caught accidentally by fishermen hunting for other species, may be twice that amount. As a result, many of the 400 known species of sharks are now endangered, including the great white, the hammerhead, the tiger, and the lemon shark. Fortunately, the United States has already taken bold steps to address this problem. The National Marine Fisheries Service has imposed major controls on shark fishing, and has proposed tightening restrictions even further by reducing the annual quota for large coastal sharks taken in Eastern United States waters by 50 percent. To the extent that further congressional action is necessary, be assured that I will lend appropriate support. However, as this is an international problem, ultimate success depends upon securing the cooperation of other countries. Only 10 of the countries that report shark landings have made any attempt to manage their fisheries, and only four countries have detailed management plans for shark fishing. Two international organizations — the Conference on International Trade in Endangered Species and FAO’s Committee on Fisheries - will study this issue this year. I am hopeful that global progress can be made. Once again, thanks for contacting me regarding this important issue. Please contact me again if I may be of assistance to you in the future. Sincerely, Jr. Member of Congress